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Fresno FC Appoints Smith as First Head Coach

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 11/09/17, 1:29PM EST

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Former top assistant at Republic FC set to lead 2018 expansion club


Photo courtesy Fresno FC

FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno Football Club announced on Thursday it had appointed Adam Smith as the first Head Coach in the 2018 USL expansion club’s history. Smith, who previously served as the top assistant alongside Paul Buckle for fellow USL club Sacramento Republic FC, will join General Manager Frank Yallop as the club builds toward its inaugural season in the USL, set to kick off in March 2018.

“This is a fantastic day for soccer in Fresno, as I can officially announce the head coach of Fresno Football Club, Adam Smith,” said Yallop. “As an organization, we couldn’t be more pleased to have Adam leading our club. He possesses all the qualities we were looking for in a head coach and comes from a fantastic football pedigree. His experience and familiarity with the USL makes him the right choice to lead the team in our inaugural year.”


Photo courtesy Fresno FC

The 46-year-old Smith has spent the majority of the past 20 years in the United States, having previously coached with the Portland Timbers when the club was both part of the USL and in Major League Soccer. His playing career also saw Smith compete in the USL, having begun his career in the academy of Premier League club Everton.

“It’s unbelievable to receive the opportunity to be the first Head Coach of a new franchise,” Smith said. “I feel very humbled and thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Frank, with his wealth of experience. I am very grateful to Ray Beshoff and the ownership of Fresno FC, as they’ve put faith in me to lead the club as we begin play in the USL.”

Smith most recently spent the last three seasons with Republic FC, where he helped lead the club to the USL Cup Playoffs each season during his tenure.

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